GUYANA Entertainment Magazine (GEM) was officially launched two Thursdays ago in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce boardroom, with Minister Manzoor Nadir pledging his support for the venture.
Publisher of the Magazine, overseas-based Guyanese Mr. Simeon Corbin, told the media, that the idea was born two years ago, after he returned from the United States and realised that there was no medium to update him and many others, on what was happening in this country.
He said that his first idea was to publish a booklet, but he soon realised that such a publication would not suffice.
According to Corbin, the bi-monthly magazine shows the lighter side of Guyana, by showcasing Guyanese lifestyle, fashion and places around Georgetown. He noted that GEM would not focus on political, racial and religious issues.
He reported that three thousand copies of the March Sightseeing and day-to-day activities, and four thousand copies of the first edition were printed. Only a fourth of the total was sold, so, this time around, Corbin said 1 000 less copies were printed.
In the advertising arena, Corbin admitted that persons were skeptical about the type of magazine that would be produced, but he informed the media that after the publication of the first edition, many advertisers have decided to come on board.
According to Marketing Manager of the GEM, Onika Beckles, they are hoping that the magazine will be placed in hotels and introduced at Trade Fairs.
"We are trying to go beyond the one picture publicity and highlighting the talents that lie in Guyana," she said.
Beckles explained that there are high hopes for the formation of a publishing company, to delegate responsibility, as a mean of ensuring the smooth running of a magazine that Guyanese can be proud of.
"The magazine will have positive information about Guyana instead of the negative (information) that is always on the Internet," she stated.
After receiving his copy of the Magazine, Minister Nadir said that the venture was very heartening since the people involved were young and trying to make a difference.
He complimented them on the layout of the magazine and the general good quality of the product, and further noted that such initiatives need to be supported, since these are the ideas that will bring about changes in Guyana.
He noted, however, that the sustainability of the magazine would be a challenge and assured that his Ministry will aid in the distribution of the magazine and will contact the GEM crew whenever there are tourism activities countrywide.
Gracing the cover of the magazine is local designer Sonia Noel. Noel recently launched her Male Line of clothing. The line was featured in the magazine.